http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203081834.htm
This article reviews a study performed by researchers at the University of Granada, Department of Experimental Psychology to detect physiological cues into various physical, mental, and emotional states within an individual. As a result of this study, scientists are now pioneering the use of
thermography (previously developed for detecting enemy forces during
WWII) into the field of psychology. It turns out that there is actually an increase in temperature around the nose and inner corner of the eye in lieu of an extension of the nose when one lies. Along with this reaction, the "insula" within the reward system in the brain is activated in response to "qualias", or genuine feelings. According to the researchers, there is a significant negative correlation between this activity within the insula and temperature increase.
In addition to this, scientists are using thermography for many other uses in psychology. It is useful for detecting patterns in everything from sexual excitement and desire, to various "thermal footprints" of aerobic exercise. Also, examining thermal imagery of an individual allows for the evaluation of emotions and emotional contagions, body fat patterns, and analysis of certain neurological diseases. While this is not exactly a ground-breaking discovery, thermography may better help psychologists understand the underlying motivations (through thoughts or feelings) of the individual. What are your thoughts on this type of research? Do you think it is accurate or meaningful enough to grant federal funding?
I found this to be interesting to say the least. I feel like it could be used to our benefit in a few ways. For instance it could be used in law enforcement when interrogating suspects, or in the military for interrogating prisoners of war. Along with the medical diagnostic benefits discussed in the article I feel like this is a useful field of research. One question I have is how cost effective it is. Being able to read emotions or attempt to keep others honest will do very little if it can't be used by the very people it would benefit.
ReplyDeleteThese kinds of studies are indeed interesting, but useful, I don't think so. This is the kind of research that is pure curiosity, and who's to say that a great finding won't come out of it. However, I believe that this research is purely out of interest right now. There are a lot of things that scientist can do to monitor things like body heat, or brain activity, but how can these types of things be correlated to lying. I can see how the brain may activate specific areas when lies are being told and trying to suppress thoughts and facial expressions, but how does the body actually get warmer? Does the activation of these areas cause it? What is the evolutionary significance of having this warming sensation and do we all have this Spidey Sense?
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